Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  Solid - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Lock - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2000 XE 4WD 6 new in July of 2000. I have had no major problems and have gotten excellent service at the Nissan Dealership when a small problem needed addressing. Overall I rate the ride and comfort to be slightly above average though a bit Noisy on the Highway. I was a little disappointed that no factory leather option was available at the time. This would have added more to the cheap looking interior. Sound System is SUBPAR. Overall its a solid vehicle.

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  Pathfinder SE 4WD 2003 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By raybob - September 7 - 10:00 am

  has the best combination of luxury & sport for the price. there is no comparison with my prior 2 ford explorers.

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  best car purchase ever!!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ws6Teresa - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is great! It is ultra quiet. The car has a very smooth ride. I was planning on buying a bmw x5. After I test drove this car. I went back to test drive it again. I decided to buy it. I have no regrets about it. The car has been great on gas mileage. The seats are very comfortable. This car has so many options available. My only problem is dealing with the dealer. I feel that the sales people were not throughly trained on every aspect of this vehicle. I would definitly recommend this vehicle 100 times over!

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  First Nissan and I love it! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Daniel - September 7 - 6:10 am

  Ive owned Chevy SUVs in the past but had not driven one (SUV) for several years until the Xterra. I wanted one for awhile but the engine choices just seemed too limited and the design was almost there until the new style and engine of 2005. This is the most fun vehicle to drive ever! The fuel economy, while not the greatest, is admirable. I drive 90% on the highway and get about 21 mpg, however, you dont buy one of these for great mileage but for everything else this baby has to offer, and the list is huge. What a great experience this has been, of course Ive only had it a few months so hopefully Ill still be singing praises in a couple of years!

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  Not bad for a near 10 y.o. platform - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Just Bought SE Model - September 7 - 12:53 am

  I purchased this truck about 2 months ago and am pleased with the selection. Cabin is quite spacious esp. in front seats, but rear seats certainly could use more legroom w/wider door opening. Cargo room is excellent and fold-down of rear seat is MUCH easier than everyone makes it out to be. Handling is not bad for a truck, but cant be compared to todays sedan platform- based SUVs (Infiniti FX). Interior noise is minimal w/windows up, and surprisingly quiet even with sunroof open (dont have sunroof visor). Highly recommend this SUV to anyone in the mkt. for a quality used vehicle. Certainly more reliable than a domestic counterpart.

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  Bought used 2015 for $9300 and love it - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By Mike - September 7 - 12:04 am

  I have been looking at the Leaf for several months. We just wanted one for our local driver (4-6K miles a year) to replace our 15 year-old Camry. I first considered buying new for $20,000 off MSRP ($10,000 Fed/State tax credit and $10,000 dealer discount) bringing an SV or SL model down to $16 - $18K, but that was really more than I wanted to pay for a light local driver. I never found a $33K S model listed for $10,000 off MSRP, otherwise I may have bought a 2017 for $13K. In the end, I opted for a one owner, off lease, 2015, with 27,000 miles, 12 bars, and certified by the dealer. The car is indistinguishable from new and cost $9300. I bought it for my wife, but find I have been driving it a lot more than her, even though I am a big guy (6 4", 235) and love my 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited. I love the value, the power, and mostly that it doesnt have a tailpipe. We have seen the future.

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  better then my 02 325i - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By werks - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  the altima is a sick car. 3.5se is faster than i thought it would be. gas milage is great 27 on the highway going 85. nice! handles like a dream. by far the best car ive ever owned, so far.

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  Bad Engines - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By lyotchik@gmail.com - September 6 - 9:54 am

  These cars have engine problems. Just google piston slap nissan versa. My versa developed it, and dealership says the noise is normal. Save yourself the trouble dont buy a versa.

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  So far, so great! - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By sardar524 - September 5 - 1:00 pm

  After being a die-hard chevy owner for the past 22 years, we decided to give the Nissan Armada a try (we were also considering the Suburban and GMC Yukon). We needed to increase the traveling space provided by our 05 Silverado 3/4 ton Crew Cab while maintaining the ability to pull a 7k lbs horse trailer. When we viewed the Armada, we were very impressed with the exterior design. We also liked the size as compared to a Suburban, and the price of a fully-equipped Armada as compared to a Yukon Denali. It drives wonderfully, has an impressive turn radius and is very spacious in the 2nd and 3rd row.

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  Fantabulous Vehicle! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Barbara Sharp - September 4 - 7:45 am

  This car drives like a dream. The power is superb and handling is wonderful. It is a bit difficult to get in and out due to the low seating; but I can deal with it. Wish it had a better/more USB and/or phone charger ports available in the front compartment and one or more in the back seat.